WHEN SPOUSES HAVE DIFFERENT BELIEFS THIS WEEK S MESSAGE PAGE 3

Transcription

1 The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport HOLY FAMILY PARISH & OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH A Community United in Prayer, Fellowship, and Service Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 23, 2018 WHEN SPOUSES HAVE DIFFERENT BELIEFS THIS WEEK S MESSAGE PAGE 3 The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport Live the Gospel. Share God s Love. Rebuild the Church. 74 Pleasant Street Gloucester, Massachusetts Phone: Fax: office@ccgronline.com Website: ccgronline.com Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-4:00pm

2 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YOUTH FAITH FORMATION Fall Faith & Family Mass YOUTH FAITH FORMATION SPECIAL EVENT THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD AT 11:45AM In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them: for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs (Matthew 19:14). In response to the Lord s call, all parents, grandparents, godparents, and children of all ages are invited to join Father Jim for our annual Fall Faith & Family Mass on Sunday, September 23rd at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During Mass, Father Jim will offer a special blessing and homily for all families and their children. And during this new school year, we will celebrate four more Faith & Family Masses on Saturday, December 1st at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church; Saturday, January 5th at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church; Sunday, March 10th at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church; and Saturday, May 11th at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church. Save the dates! Mark your calendars! Invite your families and friends! Now more than ever, let us reaffirm that Mass is our class! Jesus is our teacher! Let us reaffirm that every child in our pews is a precious blessing from God! Every family that joins us for worship is a special gift from God! For more information, please see Father Jim; or contact Betsy Works at or bworks@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Always! First Holy Communion SECOND GRADE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION REGISTRATION NOW UNDERWAY! The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport offers a creative and innovative way for children to prepare for the Sacraments of Penance & Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion. Our program is designed to prepare both children and their parents for these sacraments; to encourage lifelong relationships with Jesus Christ and the Church; and to help families grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service. Our program is simple and family-friendly! First, our top priority is to invite all families to attend one of our seven weekend Masses on a regular basis. Second, all second grade students and their parents, grandparents, or guardians are asked to attend two 90 minute workshops during the fall season and three 90 minute workshops during the winter-spring seasons. Each of these Faith & Family Workshops is offered at three different times so that each family can choose which option works best for them. Our program begins during the weekend of October 12th-13th! Calendars and registration forms are available on our website: ccgronline.com/formation. Forms can be returned by mail or hand-delivered to our parish offices (which are located at 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester). If you have questions or need more information about youth faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please see Father Jim before or after Mass; or contact Betsy Works at or bworks@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! 2

3 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 THIS WEEK S MESSAGE When Spouses Have Different Beliefs BY DONNA ERICKSON COUCH After the romantic dust of my marriage settled, fundamental life questions surfaced when my closest friend died in a car accident. As I grieved, my husband, Dana, comforted me as best he could. However, when I talked about my need for God and Church, he was silent. Eventually, he told me that while he did not mind if I wanted religion again, he would not participate. Ten years into our marriage, I not only forged my way back to faith alone, but embarked on a life-changing spiritual quest. Through years of confusion, I prayed and suffered in silence as I tried to reconcile my love for God and for my non-participant husband. I worried about my role in Dana s salvation and agonized over how to raise our children in the faith alone. Years passed until I finally made peace with my anxieties. I eventually received four transforming insights. First, after a few years married, it is common to experience a spiritual awakening. Upon completion of confirmation classes or during college, many drift away from their faith. When thoughts turn to marriage, faith is frequently downplayed. We may accept the naïve presumption that love is all you need. Later, perhaps after the birth of a child or two, it is common to experience a need for church again. Frequently, those who return are surprised to discover a treasury of meaning in their renewed faith. Along with elation, however, thoughts may linger about the negative effects this will have on a marriage. Second, authentic spirituality is not divisive. As my inner life grew, I felt an increasing distance between Dana and me. When I tried to describe my feelings to a friend, he quoted Jesus: I have come to bring not peace but the sword...and one s enemies will be those of his household (Matthew 10:34-36). Though discouraged, with the help of prayer and a spiritual director, I found deeper meaning in this biblical passage. I learned that even though our incompatible religious beliefs could feel insurmountable, time quells the fear. Like marriage, we commit to God for the long haul. It is natural to sometimes experience tension. Third, the inner journey is a solitary journey. In another scripture passage, Jesus says there is no marriage in heaven (Mark 12:25). If we look at this as a blueprint for our spiritual journey, then an important insight is revealed. While there are many companions on the outer journey, no one can walk the inner path with us. While we can try to describe our personal relationship with God, no one (not even our spouse) can share this experience completely. God calls each of us into a mystical marriage, demanding that we forsake all others. And fourth, all relationships mirror the divine relationship. All relationships teach us about God. Can we observe the divine in everyone? Equipped with a bigger vision, we welcome the challenges of living with those who, without words, can teach us about the subtleties of God s presence. Meanwhile, spiritual directors and friends can help us process our complex relationship with God. Frequently, others serve this need better than those with whom we live. If you are experiencing a spiritual awakening while married to someone on a different page, take heart. The challenge of living a God-centered life provides an opportunity to repeatedly experience what it means to fall in love with your spouse, your faith, and the Lord. When God means something different to your spouse, it is not the end of the world but rather the beginning of a profound encounter with love s sacred mysteries. 3

4 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE HOLY FAMILY WOMEN S GUILD HARVEST PIE, BREAD & CRAFT SALE Weekend of September 29th September 30th Fall has arrived! In celebration of the new season, the Holy Family Women s Guild is sponsoring a Harvest Pie, Bread & Craft Sale on Saturday 29th at Saint Ann Church from 9:00am until 4:00pm; and after all weekend Masses on Sunday, September 30th in Holy Family Parish. Offerings will include freshly baked pies, quick breads, and a variety of harvest crafts. All proceeds support Holy Family Parish. For more information, please contact Lydia Bertolino at bertolino4@msn.com or Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Thank you in advance for your generous support! HOLY FAMILY PARISH HOLY FAMILY WOMEN S GUILD Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:30pm Established in 2005, the Holy Family Parish Women s Guild brings together women of all ages and backgrounds in prayer, fellowship, and service to our parish and the wider community. Throughout the year, the Guild hosts fundraising events and social gatherings that include the Harvest Fair, Christmas Fair, and Palm Sunday Bake Sale. The Guild s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:30pm in Saint Ann Church Hall. Our special guest will be Barbara Frontiero, who serves as President of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Barbara will speak about the mission and good work of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society on Cape Ann. All parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for this special event! Refreshments will be served. Annual dues of $15.00 will be collected. For more information about the Holy Family Women s Guild, please contact Lydia Bertolino at or bertolino4@msn.com. Please join us! New members are always welcome! PASTOR S NOTE ABOUT THIS WEEK S MESSAGE The author of this week s message, Donna Erickson Couch, is an author, catechist, lay minister, and spiritual director. She is author of Together But Alone: When God Means Something Different to Your Spouse (2008). If you enjoyed this week s message, be sure to check out Bringing Home the Word. A new edition of this weekly newsletter for both family and individual reflection is posted every weekend on our website: ccgronline.com/ news. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all! Father Jim LIVING THE GOSPEL THE ASSISI PROJECT SATURDAY MORNING with SAINT FRANCIS Saturday, September 29th at 8:00am Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Cliff Garvey after their first pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers in the United States, Canada, Africa, and Europe. Our mission is to help adults of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ and grow closer to the Church through the inspiration and intercession of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project meets on the last Saturday of every month in Saint Ann Church for Mass, formation, fellowship, and faith sharing. Our next gathering is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th beginning at 8:00am. This month, we will begin a long-term and in-depth focus on the lives of the saints. We will be reading and reflecting on Robert Ellsberg s new book, The Franciscan Saints. All fellow parishioners are invited to join the Assisi Project! You do not need to travel with us to Assisi to be a member of the Assisi Project! Members of our fellowship all around the world, who range in age from 16 to 93, also pray for those who ask for prayers. If you would like to join us or if you would like us to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Cliff at or cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of Angels, pray for us! All are invited! All are welcome! May the Lord give you peace! THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS with FATHER JIM Saturday, October 6th at 2:00pm Saint Francis of Assisi is venerated throughout the world as the patron of animals and the environment. In belated celebration of the Feast of Saint Francis, all parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim for the traditional Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 6th at 2:00pm in Our Lady s Rectory Parking Lot. All family friendly pets are welcome (but must be leashed or secured in carriers). For more information about this beautiful annual tradition, please see Father Jim before or after Mass; or contact him at or frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Father Jim s Message: Our Church In Crisis Join us: assisiproject.com! 4

5 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH OUR LADY S GUILD PENNY SALE Monday, September 24th at 7:00pm All parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Our Lady s Guild for a Penny Sale on Monday, September 24th at 7:00pm in Our Lady s Hall. As always, the Penny Sale will feature great prizes, a raffle, our famous homemade sweet bread, along with other delicious homemade foods and snacks. Donations will be accepted at our parish offices (located at 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester) until the day of the Penny Sale. All proceeds of the Penny Sale benefit Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For more information, please contact Julia Garcia at or Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. Please join us! Bring your friends and family! All are invited! All are welcome! OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH HOLY NAME SOCIETY Sunday, September 30th at 6:30pm The Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish is a service organization of men which was founded to support our faith community through volunteering and fundraising. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 30th at 6:30pm in Our Lady s Hall. Dinner will be prepared and served. Annual dues of $20.00 will be also collected. For more information about the Holy Name Society and its good work in our parish, please contact Matt Parisi at or mparisi101@gmail.com. Please join us! New members are always welcome! MADONNA DEL ROSARIO SOCIETY OCTOBER GATHERING & ANNUAL MASS Saturday, October 6th Begins at 1:00pm The Madonna Del Rosario Society will host its next meeting on Saturday, October 6th in Our Lady s Hall. After a brief business meeting at 1:00pm, we will enjoy dessert and a friendly game of bingo. Membership dues will be collected, too. At 4:00pm, all members and friends are invited to join us for the Vigil Mass in Saint Ann Church in memory of both living and deceased members of the Madonna Del Rosario Society. For more information, please contact Grace at Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM All High School Students Are Invited! Registration Now Underway! Learn more: ccgronline.com/formation! SHARING GOD S LOVE Joy & Suffering with Padre Pio FALL DAY OF PRAYER & REFLECTION SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6TH BEGINS AT 8:00AM Earlier this year, Pope Francis visited the House for the Relief of Suffering, a hospital founded by Saint Padre Pio. Afterwards, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Shrine of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy. In his homily, the Holy Father preached about the call to suffer and the three words that summarize the life of a saint: humility, prayer, and wisdom. The pope said: All of theology is contained here! If you have a problem, if you are sad, if you are sick, abandon yourself into the arms of Jesus! The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina on September 23rd and the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4th. In commemoration of these two great saints, and as part of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport s Year of Discernment, all fellow parishioners and friends are invited to join Father Jim, Cliff Garvey, the Legion of Mary, and the Assisi Project for a Fall Day of Prayer & Reflection: Joy & Suffering with Saint Pio on Saturday, October 6th at Saint Anthony Chapel. During this four-hour mini-retreat, we will explore the life, ministry, and patronage of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and his special meaning for those who are called to suffer. This special morning of prayer and reflection will proceed according to the following schedule: Celebration of Holy Mass at 8:00am; First Reflection & Faith Sharing at 9:00am; Eucharistic Adoration & Rosary at 10:00am; Second Reflection & Faith Sharing at 11:00am; Angelus & Closing Prayers at 12:00pm. Throughout the morning, there will be scheduled breaks and time for faith sharing, fellowship, and refreshments. Coffee, tea, and bottled water will be available throughout the morning. After our closing prayers, all are invited to remain for a picnic lunch. During Mass, a collection will be taken in support of our adult faith formation ministry. If you would like to join us for our Fall Day of Prayer & Reflection in honor of Saint Pio and Saint Francis, please contact Cliff at or cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your family! All are invited! All are welcome! 5

6 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT OUR MASS INTENTIONS SEPTEMBER 22 SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 Saturday, September 22 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, September 23 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Monday, September 24 8:00am OLGV Tuesday, September 25 8:00am Saint Joachim Wednesday, September 26 8:00am OLGV Thursday, September 27 8:00am Saint Joachim Friday, September 28 8:00am OLGV Saturday, September 29 8:00am Saint Ann Saturday, September 29 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, September 30 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Vigil 25th Sunday Eugene & Marjorie Mondello Francesco Ciaramitaro 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Special Intention Deceased Members of the Knights of Columbus Joseph & Mary Allen Mary Wilkins For All Victims of Abuse 25th Week in Ordinary Time Communion Service Colleen Handley Ann McKeown Celestino Goulart Anthony & Mary Ciaramitaro Intentions of the Assisi Project Vigil 26th Sunday Arthur & Leona Marshall Paula Novello 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mary Jo Densmore Maria Maggiore Catherine Cusumano Joseph Pallazola Intentions of Pope Francis TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OUR WEEKLY GIFTS HOLY FAMILY PARISH Weekend of September 15th September 16th Weekly Offerings $6, Electronic Donations $ Total Offerings $7, Second Collection (Clergy Benefit) $2, Thank you for your generous support of Holy Family Parish! OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH Weekend of September 15th September 16th Weekly Offerings $4, Electronic Donations $80.00 Total Offerings $4, Second Collection (Clergy Benefit) $ Thank you for your generous support of Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! SANCTUARY GIFTS At each of the churches in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, sanctuary flowers, sanctuary candles, and altar gifts (hosts & wine) can be donated for a special intention or in memory of a departed loved one. The requested donation for flowers is $250. The requested donation for altar gifts is $175. The requested donation for a sanctuary candle is $25. This week, donations were offered for the following intentions: In Memory of Earl & Katie Worthley Sanctuary Candle Saint Ann Church In Memory of Sara Jean (Pallazola) Tarr Sanctuary Candle Saint Joachim Church In Memory of Hannah Burns Sanctuary Candle Saint Anthony Chapel In Memory of Benedetto & Rosaria Favazza Sanctuary Candle Our Lady of Good Voyage Church For more information about donating sanctuary candles, sanctuary flowers, or sanctuary gifts in memory of a deceased family member, friend, or loved one, please contact Melissa Unis at office@ccgronline.com or Thank you for your ongoing and generous support of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! WESHARE Safe & Easy Electronic Giving. Learn more: ccgronline.com/news